Inventive, interactive, inventor&#39;s menus within a software computer and video display system

ABSTRACT

An inventive, interactive, menu apparatus and method, and the plural, within a software computer video display system for creating inventions or prospects for inventions, via the juxtaposition of concepts or words, defined from word paths or sets displayed on the menu, from one to six simulated spun reels or drums below the menu, seen through one to thirty open spaces, cells or windows on the menu. In the preferred embodiment, the INVENTOR&#39;S MENU TTT t.m., a classic Tic Tac Toe like, nine space grid, is utilized, which makes the process of inventing as comprehensive, fast, and as much fun as it can be, which is the inventive tool which the world has been looking for.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This is an improvement of pending application Ser. No. 09/728,370, filing date: Dec. 4, 2000, GRP Art Unit 2131, Primary Class 713, for Creative method supplementing all of the copyrighted and patent applied for creative art of the inventor with all of the art of the internet, as a whole, for developing inventions or prospects for inventions, and, pending application Ser. No. 09/910,608, filed Jul. 23, 2001, GPR Art Unit 2152, Primary Class 709 for Pioneer methods, and web enabled apparatuses, for using any kind of concept, list or non list, on the internet or internet like means to create or invent with.

[0002] Three Disclosure Documents, relative to the three models of the instant invention, have been filed with the Patent and Trademark Office:

[0003] Model 1, the Inventor's Menu, filed Jun. 6, 2002, document number 512932.

[0004] Model 2, the Inventor's Menu TTT, filed May 14, 2002 document number 511528.

[0005] and, Model 3, for Inventor's Menu, Maxi and Mini, filed Aug. 16, 2002 document number 516628.

STATEMENT OF FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH APPENDIX

[0006] Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO MICROFICHE APPENDIX

[0007] Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0008] It is well known that menus of various types are used in computer software. These menus display configurations, cells, windows and icons of all sorts for any number of different purposes—but, to date, no such menu has been developed for the specific purpose of inventing via a menu and apparatus within a software computer and video display system—which, in this case is capable of utilizing any word or concept found on the internet to invent with, which makes the instant invention the most powerful, useful, and comprehensive inventive tool in history, and, in the case of the INVENTOR'S MENU TTT model (with TTT denoting Tic Tac Toe) inventing is made a very easy, quick, and fun process, which industry and academia has been searching for for many years.

[0009] Note: because the inventor's menus are used with internet art, normally, which is always current (and always will be) the instant invention will always be current.

[0010] And, in being capable of using of any concept on the massive internet to invent with the inventor's menus will always be the most powerful inventive tools in existence . . . because invention is all about the juxtaposition of concepts, and the internet will always be the most massive source of concepts, so the inventor's menus will always be the best and most powerful inventive tool.

[0011] Additionally, all existing means of inventing are very simple and limited, and are nearly useless.

[0012] Toward that end there is a great need for the instant invention.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The inventor's menus are unequaled aids to invention, which can be used by nearly anyone in the world, especially by people with access to the internet, and a web site such as INVENTIVE-INTERNET.COM owned by the inventor of the instant invention—although software packages, having the menus art, only, my be very effective also.

[0014] Further, they enable anyone, from a child to a scientist, to become inventive or more inventive due to the pioneer methods and menu apparatuses utilized, which make inventing as fun and fast as is possible, yet also as comprehensive and productive as is possible, due to all of the aspects of the instant invention, and, in most cases, the utilization of the massive source of concepts found on the internet, or like means, and the ability, via the menus, to juxtapose almost any internet concept against any concept denoted on an inventor's menu.

[0015] The objects of the invention are to:

[0016] a. enable people, around the world, to be able to juxtapose (match) almost any kind of concept (be they words, pictures, symbols etc. or written descriptions of pictures or symbols etc.) in the world against any other kind of concept in the world, via the use of the internet or like means, and its immense source of concepts, to create inventions or prospects for inventions.

[0017] b. provide the most comprehensive inventive tool in history.

[0018] c. provide the most useable inventive tool in history.

[0019] d. provide the most productive inventive tool in history.

[0020] e. provide the fastest inventive tool in history

[0021] f. provide an inventive means which is the most fun to use to invent with.

[0022] These and other features and objects will be apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof, presented in connection with the following drawings in which like reference numerals identify like elements throughout.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023]FIG. 1. shows representations of the original INVENTOR'S MENU (the Model 1) and styles, 1-4, with the styles proceeding down in their capabilities to match categories of word lists, with Style 4 being the least capable

[0024]FIG. 2. shows the styles of FIG. 1. having some of the open spaces or cells or slots on the menu filled in with words from the list of words in the separate categories of words relating to each open space.

[0025]FIG. 3. shows the Style 2 menu of FIG. 1. as it would show and read on the screen of a desk top computer having religious symbols displayed from a web site on the internet.

[0026]FIG. 4. shows the Style 1 menu of FIG. 1. depicting it as it would show on a desk top computer having a newspaper article taken from a web site.

[0027] NOTE: all of the styles of menus shown in FIGS. 1-4 show menus which have the open spaces or cells or slots on the left side of the menu staggered. Normally, however, all of the open spaces or cells or slots, on the inventor's menus, be they on the left or right or in any center position on the menu are directly in line, vertically, in a column, so to speak.

[0028]FIG. 5. shows the INVENTOR'S MENU TTT (Tic Tac Toe) Model 2, which has the classic direct vertical alignment of the open spaces or cells or slots, and, the direct horizontal alignment of the open spaces or cells or slots, and in this case the styles of menus also proceed downward in their capabilities going from three to two to one row of horizontal open spaces.

[0029]FIG. 6, shows 4 examples (I-IV) of various word paths or lines which may produce descriptions of inventions or prospects by reading the words shown through the open spaces or cells from the simulated reels or drums on the Model 2, the INVENTOR'S MENU TTT, ranging from classic Tic Tac Toe like configurations, see I and II, to example III where inventions or prospects may be defined by just two words or concepts, to example IV where one of many possible exotic paths is shown.

[0030]FIG. 7, shows an example of the Model 2 superimposed over a desk top computer display, either over internet art, or the like, or with the menu being used by itself, with the open spaces or cells being blank.

[0031]FIG. 8, shows the Model 2 superimposed over internet art, a list of religious symbols, with the picture of the Christian Cross described in typed words entered on the menu on a key word or concept open space or cell in the central, vertical, column.

[0032]FIG. 9, shows 2 different styles of the Model 2 having all 3 of the open spaces in each vertical column being filled in with words, with the left and right vertical columns showing words from the simulated drums or reels after they have been activated, and the center vertical colums, in each case, showing typed in key words. In reading each menu, as described in FIG. 6. various descriptions of inventions and prospects are revealed.

[0033]FIG. 10, shows examples of the Model 3, the INVENTOR'S MENU, MINI AND MAXI, with the simplest menu, the mini, at the top of the video display or terminal screen, and the most elaborate, the maxi, at the bottom.

[0034] FIGS. 11-12 show the increments between the simplest and the most elaborate INVENTOR'S MENUS shown in FIG. 10

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] Interactive menu apparatuses used within software computer and video display systems, of all sorts, for all sorts or uses, have been widely used for quite some time, but none have been developed to use solely as an inventive tool—until now, via the 3 Models of the instant invention, the INVENTOR'S MENU.

[0036] Further, uses of all sorts, have been developed for using the internet, but non have been developed to use it solely as an inventive tool (until recently, when the inventor of this instant invention created two such methods, about two years ago, and filed for patents on those methods, see the Cross Reference to related applications section of this application for the details on the patents applied for).

[0037] The instant invention combines the use of inventive menus along with internet art (in most cases, but not all cases) to create the most powerful, comprehensive, easy to use, and fun inventive tool in history.

[0038] The drawings provided as part of this patent application, show FIGS. 1-12, which generally depict the inventor's menus utilized in “an inventive, interactive, menu like apparatus and method within a software computer and video display system for creating inventions or prospects for inventions via the juxtaposition of words or concepts displayed on the inventor's menu”.

[0039] More specifically, FIGS. 1-12, depict the inventor's menus utilized in “an inventive, interactive, menu apparatus and method within a software computer and video display system for creating inventions or prospects for inventions via the juxtaposition of words or concepts displayed on a menu anywhere on the video display system wherein the menu apparatus is comprised of a one space to thirty space open cell or window grid normally above, below, or alongside a line or lines of command icons on the menu, normally on the non open heading of the menu or on a non open area on the sides or at the bottom of the menu, used for creating inventions or prospects defined by the word or concept paths or sets shown through the singular or multi open spaces on the grid from normally one to six simulated rotating drums or reels normally below the open spaces on the menu apparatus, which is a normally rectilinear, simulated cover, having lines seperating the individual open spaces provided in front of said simulated rotating drums or reels, with each drum or reel having a plurality of words of an individual category or concepts on it, after the one to six drums or reels are spun, briefly, to randomly generate a set of words or concepts viewable through the open spaces, which juxtapose in some direct line or skipping fashion, in any order, to define an invention or prospect based on the outcome of the randomly generated word paths or sets which are shown on the inventor's menu.

[0040] And, finally, in this regard FIGS. 5-9, depict a specialized inventor's menu (the INVENTOR'S MENU TTT) utilized in “an inventive, interactive, tic tac toe like menu apparatus and method within a software computer and video display system for creating inventions or prospects for inventions via the juxtaposition of words or concepts displayed on a menu anywhere on the video display system wherein the menu apparatus is comprised of a nine space open cell or window grid, above, below, or alongside a line or lines of command icons on the menu, normally on the non open heading of the menu or on a

[0041] Further, regarding the three styles of the INVENTORS MENU, Models 1, 2 and 3.

[0042] A menu like apparatus of Model 3 is shown wherein words or concepts, usually key words or list words, and usually from the authors copyrighted creative works, but sometimes from any word or description in words or a concept, shown on the internet or like means or sometimes from a persons mind, typed in over the 1-30 space open cell or window on the grid on the menu, with words from lists, indexes, articles, or from descriptions of pictorial depictions being very useful in the inventive process.

[0043] A menu like apparatus of Model 2 . . . is shown wherein words or concepts, usually keywords or list words, and usually from the authors copyrighted creative works, but sometimes from any word or description in words of a concept, shown on the internet or like means or sometimes from a persons own mind, may be typed in over the 9 space open cell or window on the grid on the menu, with words from lists, indexes, articles or from descriptions of pictorial depictions being very useful in the inventive process.

[0044] A menu like apparatus for creating inventions or prospects for inventions via the juxtaposition of words or concepts of Model 3 is shown, wherein one to five rows of words or concepts from the drums or reels are aligned in a horizontal plane on the menu as seen through its open, lined, spaces, cells or windows.

[0045] A menu like apparatus for creating inventions or prospects via the juxtaposition of words or concepts of Models 1 & 3 is shown, wherein three rows of words or concepts from the drums or reels are aligned in a horizontal plane on the menu as seen through its open, lined, spaces, cells or windows

[0046] A menu like apparatus for creating inventions or prospects via the juxtaposition of of words or concepts of Model 3, wherein one to six rows, or columns, of words or concepts from the drums or reels are aligned in a vertical plane on the menu as seen through its open, lined, spaces, cells or windows.

[0047] A menu like apparatus for creating inventions or prospects for inventions via the juxtaposition of words or concepts of Model 2 . . . wherein three rows or columns of words or concepts are aligned in a vertical plane on the menu as seen through its open, lined, spaces, cells or windows.

[0048] Each drum or reel having a plurality of words or concepts of Models 1 and 3 is shown, wherein the words, if taken from the authors copyrighted or patent applied for creative works, and any part thereof, especially from any index part of the work or if it is constructed by the user of the menu, are arranged from A-Z, and usually are grouped in a separate category for each wheel, usually in things, function & misc., and shapes categories.

[0049] The simulated rotating drums or reels of Model 3 is shown, wherein the reels or drums comprise;

[0050] a singular rotating drum or reel or 2-6 rotating drums or reels adjacent to each other having a outer surface on which a plurality of words or concepts are shown, which is rotatable around an axis;

[0051] a rotation control means for controlling rotations of said singular or 2-6 rotating reels or drums, seperately.

[0052] The simulated rotating drums or reels of Model 2 . . . is shown, wherein the reels or drums comprise;

[0053] a first rotating, center, drum having an outer peripheral surface on which a plurality of words or concepts are shown, which is rotatable around an axis;

[0054] a second rotating drum having an outer surface on which a plurality of words or concepts are shown, which is arranged adjacent to one side of the first rotating drum and rotatably around said axis;

[0055] a third rotating drum having an outer peripheral surface on which a plurality of words or concepts are shown, which drum is arranged adjacent to the other side of the first, center, rotating drum and rotatably on said axis;

[0056] a rotation control means for controlling rotations of said first, second, and third drums, separately.

[0057] A menu like apparatus of Models 1 and 3, wherein, a line or lines of command icons on the menu normally on the non open heading of the menu or on a non open area on the sides or at the bottom or top area of the menu, wherein the standard arrangement of command icons for controlling the 2-6 simulated rotating drums, each having a plurality of words, and each with an individual category of words, would be, from left to right: 1. shapes catagory icon controlling the first reel or drum and its random spins, 2. function & misc. icon, controlling the second reel and its random spins, 3. prospect icon, with prospects being typed in or deleted, in conventional computer fashion, over the open spaces, cells, or windows over the third reel or if no prospects are typed in, the second reel would be used and activated or spun and used in the same fashion as the things reel and would show things, 4. key word icon, with key words being typed in or deleted in conventional computer fashion over the open spaces, cells, or windows over the fourth reel or if no key words are typed in this reel would be activated or spun and used in the same fashion as the things reel and would show “things” 5. things category icon, controlling the fifth reel and its random spins, and 6. another things category icon, controlling the sixth wheel and its random spins, for example to activate the brief random spin of the first reel, wheel, drum or however described the user would click on to the “R” or random icon and then the “S” or shapes icon, and to activate the second reel the user would click on to the “R” or random icon and the “F” or function and misc. icon, and to activate the third reel the user would click on to the “R” or random icon and the “P” or prospect icon to produce a list of things, and to activate, and to activate the fourth reel the user would click on to the “R” or random icon and “K” the key word icon to produce a list of things, and to activate the fifth reel the user would click on to the “T” or things icon to produce a list of things, and to activate sixth reel the user would click on to the “R” or random icon and “T” or its things icon, and, in all cases, each icon for each reel would have a set of up/down scroll icons adjacent to it for slowly scrolling up or down the entire list of words in the category, accomplished by clicking on either the up or down icon, and after proceeding in the direction indicated clicking, again, to stop the scroll.

[0058] The menu of 1-6 reels or drums, wherein the largest menu would be perfect to develop prospects for inventions, and the smallest would be perfect for use on a crowded screen or as a way to leave the one reel, one category cell, and one open space cell or window menu on the screen at all times, and when the user thinks of it he may juxtapose the word shown on the smallest menu against what ever of the many words or concepts may also be shown on the screen, and thus often create unusual ideas.

[0059] Regarding command icons, there would be a line of command icons on the menu normally on the menus open heading of the menu or on a non open area on the sides or at the bottom of the menu of model 2, wherein the standard arrangement of icons for controlling the simulated tic tac toe like reels or durms, and their plurality of individual catagory words, would be the following: 1. things category icon, controlling the left reel or drum and its random spins, 2. key word icon, with key words being typed in or deleted in a conventional computer fashion over the open spaces, cells, or windows over the center reel or if no key words are typed in the center reel or drum it would be activated or spun and used in the same fashion as the things reels or drums or reels showing things at the left and right of the center reel, 3. the random icon, used to activate the spin of all of the reels or drums in conjunction with the individual reels category icons and, 4. things catagory icon controlling the right reel or drum and its random spins, for example to activate the brief random spin of the left reel or drum the user would click on to the “R” or random icon and then the “T” or things icon on the left side of the menu, and to activate the brief, random, spin of the right reel or drum the user would click on to the “R” or random icon ant then the “T” or things category icon on the right side of the menu, and to activate the spin of the center reel or drum, not having key words typed in over it on the menu, the user would click on to the “R” or random icon then “K” the key word icon.

[0060] Further, there would be a line or lines of command icons on the menu on models 1 and 3, wherein the word category icons may be arranged in either a horizontal or vertical line or a combination of such lines, in any fashion.

[0061] Finally, regarding the inventive interactive menu apparatus of models 1 and 3, wherein the components cited may be of any configuration, number or combination, and each model many be indentified by an individual number or alphanumeric indentification so that each may be pulled up from software by clicking on to the specific, individual, number or alphanumeric identifiction designating the model to be used on screen.

[0062] And, regarding an inventive, interactive, tic tac toe like menu apparatus and method of model 2, wherein the apparatus and method may be utilized on any kind of non computerized, game or teaching, mechanical or literary or pictorial or any such combination.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0063] Model 1.

[0064] To create/invent a new idea, invention or prospect using the inventive, interactive, menu apparatus and method within the video display system of the instant invention this inventors menu is superimposed at the bottom of any kind of screen on any type of computerized device having a screen, which normally is connected to the internet, and its displayable art.

[0065] For example, FIG. 3., shows the Style 2. menu, 10 (of Model 1.) on the screen of a conventional desk top computer having internet art (religious symbols, 12 a, 12 b, and 12 c, in this case) and a situation where the user typed in CHRISTIAN CROSS, 14, as the key word or key concept to be used to juxtapose against other words or concepts on the Inventor's Menus (in most cases the words on lists developed for the menus and part of the software are more than adequate) or against any art (word, concept, symbol, picture etc.) found anywhere on the internet or in the users mind (or combinations of all these sources) to produce the invention via the juxtaposition of concepts, of any kind.

[0066] In this case, the Inventor's Menu is shown below the internet art, with a matrix of four open space cells or slots on the menu, but a number of differently configured menus may be located anywhere on any video display screen, on the bottom, top, sides etc., and the menus may be comprised of many differently configured open space grids (with one open space generally used for the entry of typed in words or concepts to work with, specificcally a key word or key concept described in words) for showing words from a variety of sources, lists, mostly) and icon arrangements—down to menus or portions of menus having only one key word, and open space cell, on the smallest menu possible.

[0067]FIG. 4 shows the Style 1 menu, 20 (of Model 1.) on the screen of a conventional computer having internet art from the USA Today newspaper, 22, and a miscellaneous section showing BASKETBALL MADNESS, 24, as a good key word or key concept to work with in inventing, and was typed in as the key word, 26, in the open space cell, at the bottom of the line of open space cells located on the menu.

[0068] Note: new products or exotic concepts are often good candidates for key words or key concepts to use to develop improvement inventions (99% of all inventions).

[0069] Further, almost every new invention has a possibility of being used to develop a new invention, by making it a key concept or word and inventing in the matter spelled out in this patent application—which essentially allows for developing ways to add a new feature or function or shape to the new invention to make yet another new invention. Also, new inventions can be broken down to their components or features or functions and those individual components or features or functions can be made key concepts or key words and be processed accordingly.

[0070] Indeed, the greatness of the Inventor's Menus results from their perfect design for the inventive work that they do because they are capable of listing any kind of word or concept used in the inventive process . . . from word or concept lists either of the users own making or lists found anywhere or from the lists that are part of the Inventor's Menus software or by defining almost any kind of non word concept, with words, and then juxtaposing that concept or the words, on the menu, itself—or against the words or concepts on the internet, or both ways, thus making the Inventor's Menus the greatest inventive tool, ever, which can never be exceed.

[0071] Specifically, to use the Model 1, Style 1, lnventor's Menu, see FIG. 1 you:

[0072] 1. First type in a key word in the cell or slot provided, which you obtain from the INVENDEX t.m. (a book written, years back by the inventor of this invention) lists (which are normally part of the software of the Inventor's Menus) or from your own mind or from anywhere on the internet (you do not have to limit yourself to the words you find because you can type in a description of anything you see on the internet, be it a picture or symbol or what ever.

[0073] 2. Then to match/juxtapose your key word with other words or concepts to create ideas, or inventions or prospects you decide which category of words, taken from the INVENDEX t.m. (things, function & misc. or shapes) you want to work with.

[0074] Please note that with this model of the Inventor's Menu the open spaces, or cells or slots have icon F (for function and misc. words, from the INVENDEX t.m.) and icon S (for shapes, from the INVENDEX t.m) and icon T (for things, from the INVENDEX) and has all of those open spaces cells or slots directly aligned, to the far left side of the menu and in a vertical line).

[0075] 3. Then to show the first word of the list you will work with click on to either icons, F, 30, for function & misc. words, S, 32, for shape words or T. 34, for words that describe things (all of which will be positioned ahead, or before) what ever key word you may use in the open cell or slot, 35, which is located on the center of the bottom horizontal line of cells or slots on the menu. Please note there is another cell or slot, 37 (for things, in this instance) on the right end of the series of open cells or slots at the bottom of the menu.

[0076] 4. Then to match/juxtapose the entire list of the category of words you are matching against your key word or key concept click on to the S icon, scroll, 36, in the fourth box in the line of icons at the top, right, side of the menu, and to control the speed of the scroll click on to the arrow icons, 38 or 40 (away from the point of the arrow for the fastest scroll) and choose the upward pointing arrow to scroll up or the downward pointing arrow to scroll down the list of words in the category words you use, which are shown through the open spaces or cells or slots used (from simulated rotating reels or wheels having the list words denoted on them. More on that later). Then search until you find a category list word which matches with your typed in key word to create an invention. (the key word in this instance being CHEESEHEAD, a new fad awhile back which was easy to improve via the teachings of the Inventor's Menu's).

[0077] 5. When you do find a combination of a list word and the key word that you like as an invention click on the I, invention icon, 42, to store that idea, and after you have a number of inventions you may click on to L, list icon, 44, to review your list of inventions. You may then click on to the P, print icon, 46, to print your list of inventions.

[0078] 6. Thereafter, you may select any or all of the other category lists of words to work with to further improve or expand your denoted idea or prospect or invention, again following steps 2-5 until you come to an invention (or what ever) made up of your key and the maximum of 3 additional different types of words (from the things, function & misc, and shapes lists) positioned on the menu either before or after the key.

[0079] NOTE: Styles 2, 3, and 4 proceed downward in their capability to match the categories of list words with a key word, with Style 4 being the least capable, again, see FIG. 3. Finally, in this regard, FIG. 2 shows examples of inventions or prospects developed on the different styles of the Model 1, by the alignment of words which produce/define different types of improved cheesehead products.

[0080] Model 2.

[0081] The Model 2., known as the INVENTOR'S MENU TTT t.m. (with TTT denoting, Tic Tac Toe) is an improvement of Model 1. (known as the original INVENTOR'S MENU t.m.) and is identified in this patent application as Styles 5-A and 5-B, which are the primary preferred embodiments, so to speak.

[0082] This style menu, like the Model 1 styles, is normally used oil a video display terminal or screen having internet (OR NOT). But, it may also be used on any kind of game, including pay to play arcade games, which utilize software and a screen and a control means. And, in fact it may be varied to be used as some sort of slot machine of any kind. Also, the art may be incorporated into a variety of computer software products.

[0083] This interface menu, with its with its ability to enable the user to quickly juxtapose/match nine different words (or concepts, in some cases) on a familiar Tic Tac Toe configured grid on a menu apparatus, and with its ability to add new words (or concepts, in some cases) to the mix, quickly and easily, makes this tool the fastest, and most powerful inventive tool in history, and makes inventing easy and fun, which is a great plus.

[0084] Further, in these bad economic times of late 2002, where productivity is the only real answer to our many financial and economic problems, this tool can save our America and the rest of the world from a great crisis, which we are doomed to suffer otherwise. In that regard it is interesting to note that Warren Buffet, the supposed grand master of investment, has stated, in June of 2002 “the stock market will not have great days, again, for 5-15 years.” Further, the U.S. Sec. of Commerce, Donald Evans, also stated, in June of 2002, that “invention is the engine of productivity” and he should know with his department being over the Patent and Trademark Office, among other things. Finally, in this vane, regarding the great ability of the INVENTOR'S MENU TTT t.m. it can be said “INVENTION NO LONGER REQUIRES GENIUS, JUST A TTT t.m.”

[0085] This style menu (the Style 5-A and 5-B) generally consists of an interface software, Tic Tac Toe style, inventive game having three, simulated, spaced wheels (or reels) with words (or concepts) on them (from the inventor's book the INVENDEX t.m. or from other lists from books etc. written by the inventor of the instant invention) as they appear on a video display terminal or screen having the menu (with nine, see through, recit-linear open spaces or cells) superimposed over them.

[0086] So, in fact, no physical wheels are utilized in the spinning of the wheels (which also is a simulation) and the seeming spinning of the wheels just appears to be that from the way the software displays the art of the wheels through the viewable open spaces of the menu the wheel or reels through the viewable open spaces or cells on the menu, with its nine open, rectilinear (in this instance) spaces or cells (forming a tic tac toe configured grid) positioned above the simulated wheels or reels (note: in an alternative embodiment the wheels my be actual, mechanical, wheels having words denoted on them).

[0087] To continue, each simulated wheel shows three words through the three open spaces on the menu column which they are directly aligned with so that the three wheels will show nine words through the nine menu open spaces after the wheels have been activated (or 3 words per wheel shown behind the 3 columns of open rectilinear spaces).

[0088] Note: with this model of the menu all nine of the open spaces on the grid may be used to enter (type in) other words by moving a curser to each space and typing in words of the users choosing, and then, as desired, removing the typed in words by deletion or backspacing—leaving the spaces to show only the words that would otherwise show from the wheels through the open spaces. When this “type in” function is used the open spaces would automatically be provided with a background so that the words from the wheels or reels would not “show through.”

[0089] In any event, at most times there would be nine words (hereafter concepts will not be added) which could be used to invent with to produce product (etc.) descriptions via the juxtaposition/matching of the words shown (in a tic tac toe manner) with normally three words aligned either vertically, horizontally, or diagonally as in a tic tac toe game, with the word paths or lines beginning from either end of the line (as in tic tac toe) OR IN ANY MANNER WHICH THE ARRANGEMENT OF THREE COLUMS OF THREE WORDS WOULD ALLOW (in a series of two to nine words, normally) which could also involve skipping spaces in a word path which would describe an invention using a “bouncing around” manner of any kind. (organized or random) . . . in other words utilizing the nine displayed words in all the combinations which would be possible mathematically. Meaning that just one set of nine words (which can be produced, in seconds, over and over again) would be an extremely potential source for words/concepts to invent with, AND INVENTION IS ALL ABOUT THE MATCHING OF WORDS OR CONCEPTS.

[0090] Generally speaking, however, the style 5 menu is used by spinning (activating) the wheels on the left and right side of the menu, and when they come to rest juxtaposing the words displayed through the open rectilinear spaces of the menu against the key words displayed (typed in) on the center column of spaces on the menu (in continuing lines) with the word paths (which may describe an invention) starting from either end of the line. And, to be candid, most inventions produced will probably involved only two words.

[0091] In reading the combinations of words produced by the activation of the 1-3 wheels (or just the left and right wheel, plus the key word{s} entered on the center wheel) the approach is to take one word (usually the key word . . . or KEY) and match (or juxtapose) it with another word that is directly adjacent to it (above, below, alongside or diagonally) until an invention is defined by two words or a series of words, up to nine words (shown in the nine rectilinear spaces after the activation of the wheels) through a series of nine words describing an invention would be extremely rare.

[0092] Regarding the center wheel and its column of three words it should be noted that indeed words may be typed in the rectilinear spaces, and if they are each typed in, the words would be superimposed over the list of words otherwise shown through from the center wheel (with said words being in this case taken from the inventor's work INVENDEX t.m.) but which may be taken from any of the inventor's copyrighted words or from any list or index or the like from anywhere). Thereafter, to remove the typed in words normal computer functions, like “delete” and “backspace” are used.

[0093] If, however, words are not typed in all of the three spaces in the center column then the list of “things” (again, from the INVENDEX t.m. NOTE: in all instances in this disclosure, the list words on all of the wheels are taken from the INVENDEX t.m., and with the Style 5-A of the TTT t.m., all of the words are “things” and with the Style 5-B the right two wheels have “things” but the left wheel has “function and misc.” words taken from the INVENDEX t.m.) normally found on the center wheel could be displayed by clicking on the “R” or Random and then “KEY” icons to activate the lists (NOTE: all reels or wheels, once activated, move at different speeds after each activation, resulting in a different 3 word set of words on each wheel being displayed in the rectilinear spaces each time, so as to provide a great variety of words to match “work with” after all three wheel, or even two wheels have stopped, which happens after a brief period of time) or “spin them” so to speak (meaning the list of words are displayed past the open rectilinear spaces in a top to bottom sequence, normally, However, in an alternative embodiment words may be made to appear “one at a time” in any sequence in the 9 space grid or at the same time via a non spinning wheel, software, function.

[0094] To activate the spin of the left wheel, in the Style 5-A, the operator would “click on” to the “R” or Random box (icon) and then the “T” (Things) icon at the left side of the menu (Things, again, taken from the INVENDEX t.m.).

[0095] To activate the spin of the right wheel (or column of words or concepts) in the 5-A the operator would “click on” to the “R” or Random icon and then the “T” icon on the right side of the menu.

[0096] When using the Style 5-B menu the only difference in the operation would be the use of the Function & Misc. words, which would be displayed on the left wheel and through the left side of open spaces on the INVENTOR'S MEMU TTT t.m., by first clicking on to the “R” icon and then the “F” (or Function & Misc. words) icon at the left of the menu.

[0097] To produce possible inventions or prospects the menu also allows the option of spinning a choice wheel (or reel) again, and again, to induce interactive plays until an invention or prospect is produced, which normally would not take to long (what other inventive method can claim that) unless you use a Key Word that denotes an old concept, which has been improved endlessly, leaving little room for other improvements.

[0098] Referring, again, to the drawings, FIG. 5 shows the menu art for Styles 5-A, 50 and 5-B, 52 (detailed in the top two drawings) and the lower four drawings show alternatives 53, 54, 55, and 56 and a three space opening on the menu, all of which operate in the same fashion as the preferred embodiment, but have less capability . . . but take up less room on the screen, which may be beneficial in some instances. Note: the 5-B may have an optional Things icon, 57 as shown in FIG. 5, so both Things and Function & Misc. may be juxtaposed on one screen menu.

[0099]FIG. 6, shows some of the many ways in which a series of words, taken after activating the wheels, may be aligned to produce inventions via juxtapositions and words paths, from a two word series to a nine word series (60 shows examples of 3 word series, vertically, horizontally, and diagonally, in classic Tic Tac Toe configurations. 61 is essentially the same as 60 except it does not show any vertical alignment of words in the left columns, because Function & Misc. words (see the F icon shown on 61) combined by themselves, are meaningless. 62 shows examples of two word series which can create inventions by horizontal, vertical or diagonal word paths. 63 shows an exotic example of a nine word series word path possibly defining an invention, but that would be a very rare occurance. It must be noted the word paths do not have to be in a direct line—and a random, bouncing, pattern may be quite successful. Note: as you can see, the variations shown in II of FIG. 6, do not show any vertical alignment of words, in the left columns, because combinations of Function & Misc. words by themselves are meaningless.

[0100]FIG. 7 shows how the Style 5-B menu would look superimposed over a desk top computer screen or almost any screen on which it may be displayed, which may have internet art or art of any kind of other art displayable . . . meaning that any word shown on the menu can be juxtaposed/matched against any word, picture, symbol etc. shown on the screen above the menu. Obviously, the menu can also be used, by itself, or with any screen art shown.

[0101]FIG. 8. shows how the Style 5-A menu would look like over a desk top computer screen or almost any type of screen on which it may be displayed, which may have internet art or any kind of art displayable—but, in this case had internet art showing religious symbols. So, in this case, the menu may be used “as usual” or the description of the art (not otherwise defined by words) may be typed in on the center column of the menu (such as a picture of a Christian Cross) being typed in as a Key Word (or KEY) and then be juxtaposed/matched, as usual, to produce inventions or prospects.

[0102]FIG. 9. shows actual samples of some series of words (or word paths) produced with the Style 5-A and 5-B menus, which would constitute inventions or prospects.

[0103] In the top style (5-A) with cheesehead typed in on all three center column spaces the following inventions or prospects are produced: Sitter Cheesehead, matching the top, left column, space entry with any of the center column space entries, all the same). Six Gun Cheesehead & Six Pack Cheesehead are also produced by the left & center columns.

[0104] As can be seen in the top style match-ups other inventions or prospects (Cheeshead Visor, Cheesehead Vitamin, and Cheesehead Vodka) are also produced in this case by center column and right column match ups of words. Note: the many examples of inventions produced in the top example are unusual and only happened because cheesehead is such a good ideal (or hot idea, especially at its beginning) to work with. Many new products or ideas are good candidates for improvement.

[0105] Finally, the bottom menu (Style 5-B) which shows a Key Word (cheesehead) typed only in the center location of the center column of spaces, with the top and bottom spaces of that column showing words from the INVENDEX t.m., shows: Infant Cheesehead, and Inflatable Cheesehead as inventions resulting from the match-ups.

[0106] Model 3.

[0107] The Model 3 Menu, know as the INVENTOR'S MENU, MAXI AND MINI t.m. pertains to expanded and reduced menu configurations and capabilities.

[0108] For example, FIG. 10, shows the simplest of these menus, at the top of the video display or terminal screen, the MINI, 70, and the most elaborate, the MAXI, 72 at the bottom. Note: the MINI and MAXI, as well as any INVENTOR'S MENU t.m. can be dragged to any location on any screen having that capability.

[0109] Specifically, FIG. 11 shows that the MAXI menu may range from having 5 simulated reels/word columns/open spaces/and category cells to 1 simulated reel/word column/open space/and category cell (as seen, the open spaces are located in the word columns) see, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86 and 87.

[0110] Menu 80 has 5 simulated reels (see 1-5) with word lists on them (usually from the INVENDEX t.m.) and 5 category cells (see 6-10) which show Things or Function & Misc. or Shape(s) words or Key Words or Prospects categories after the corresponding controlling icon is clicked on to (Note: S denotes Shapes, 80 a, F denotes Function & Misc., 80 b, T denotes Things, 80 c, P denotes Prospect, 80 d, and K denotes Key or Key Word or concept, 80 e.

[0111] The full word list in the specific category is displayed from the reel through the open space columns (see 11-15) and to move the column of list words on each reel the up/down icons are used (see 80 f, 80 g, 80 h, 80 i, and 80 j).

[0112] It should be noted that Things from the Things list may be scrolled in the Prospect or Key Word columns if a person has no Prospect or Key Word of his own. But, a prospect is usually typed in after the clicking of the P icon, twice, and a Key Word is typed in after clicking on the K twice. Note. menu 81, shows the invention (or prospect) Cheesehead Poker Party, which was created by juxtaposing the key word typed in with list words from the INVENDEX t.m. in two things categories. Also note that a four reel menu was not shown, as not being necessary.

[0113] Further, again relating to FIG. 10, a six reel, etc. Inventor's Menu is shown, but more reels, etc. may be part of such a menu.

[0114] Also, if the user clicks on a up/down scroll icon the word list will scroll slowly in the direction clicked on to. But, if that icon is clicked, twice, then the word list will spin, for a brief period of time, and come to rest at a random location on the word list in the category used.

[0115] Finally, in this regard, FIG. 12, shows the MAXI which operates in the same manner as the MINI and the other Inventor's Menus previously cited . . . but, is different in that it can range down to a one reel+one word column+one open space+one category cell, usually “things” menu, see 90, 92, 94, 96 and 98.

Note

[0116] All of the Models of the INVENTOR'S MENU t.m. may also be used to juxtapose the words or concepts positioned on them not just against each other, to create inventions or prospects, but also against any word or words or concept or concepts found on the internet, or the like, or not or on any kind of literary expression or pictorial depiction or the like, on any video display, with words or concepts from on line catalogs and lists, being very useful in the inventive process.

[0117] Regarding the vehicles for accessing the art of the instant invention a user would normally access a web site (INVENTIVE-INTERNET.COM is being developed by the inventor) having any or all of the INVENTOR'S MENU art (and likely all, or much, of the inventors other creative teachings) for free (with sponsors paying for the site) but it is quite likely that a Pay to Use site will also be made available, which should warrant a charge due to the greatness and uniqueness of the site. Also, software packages will likely be marketed. Further, other avenues may be used, like a major search engine or web sites of some major software or computer companies, which may market the art in various way, one variety of the art may be “infrared-ready.”

[0118] Regarding “the web” (the greatest source of concepts in existence, and thus a super tool to use in the inventive process) many ideal, inventive, tools are currently available on it (and they will only increase, and many will always be current) such as: lists of any kind, be they word lists or pictorial lists etc. from books, catalogs, and publications of all sorts.

[0119] So, as an example, to create a new doll, various sites that list: dresses, dress designs, clothing etc., and types and colors of fabrics, and sites that list styles of dolls and or their parts etc. etc. will make creating a new doll concept “a snap.” NOTE: an easy way to locate “lists” of any kind is to use Google, and type in “list+the kind of list wanted.”

[0120] Further, e-literature. of all sorts imaginable, will become more and more, comprehensive, and detailed, and complex, making any kind of inventive project easy to handle.

[0121] Other variants and embodiments of the instant invention are possible within the spirit and scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims. 

What I claim as my invention is:
 1. An inventive, interactive, menu like apparatus and method within a software computer and video display system for creating inventions or prospects via the juxposition/matching of words or concepts displayed on the inventor's menu.
 2. An inventive, interactive, menu like apparatus and method within a software computer and video display system, on menu or game software or combined with internet software or the like or not, for creating invention or prospects for inventions via the juxtaposition/matching of words or concepts displayed on a menu or menu and screen anywhere on the video display system, wherein the menu apparatus is comprised of a one to thirty space open cell or window grid above, below, or alongside a line of command icons on the menu, normally on the non open heading of the menu or on a non open area on the sides or at the bottom of the menu, used for creating inventions or prospects defined a word or concept path or one word or concept shown through the singular or multi open spaces on the grid from normally one to six simulated rotating drums or reels or wheels . . . below the open spaces of the menu apparatus, which is normally a rectilinear, simulated cover, having lines separating the individual open spaces in front of said rotating drums or reels or wheels, with each drum or reel or wheel usually having a plurality of words or concepts, of an individual category on it, after the one to six reels are spun, briefly, or not to randomly generate a set of words or concepts viewable through the open spaces, which juxtapose/match against each other in some direct line or bouncing fashion, in any order, to define an invention or prospect based on the outcome of the randomly generated word or concept paths shown on the menu or by a word or concept or words or concepts on the menu being juxtaposed/matched against any word or concept or words or concepts shown on the screen from internet art such as lists or catalogs or newspapers or the like or any kind of literary or pictorial depection.
 3. An inventive, interactive, Tic Tac Toe game like menu like apparatus and method within a software computer and video display system, on menu or game software or combined with internet software or the like or not, for creating invention or prospects for inventions via the juxtaposition/matching of words or concepts displayed on a menu or menu and screen anywhere on the video display system, wherein the menu apparatus is comprised of a nine space open cell or window grid above, below, or alongside a line of command icons on the menu, normally on the non open heading of the menu or on a non open area on the sides or at the bottom of the menu, used for creating inventions or prospects defined a word or concept path or one word or concept shown through the nine open spaces on the grid from three simulated rotating drums or reels or wheels below the open spaces of the menu apparatus, which is normally a rectilinear, simulated cover, having lines separating the individual open spaces in front of said rotating drums or reels or wheels, with each drum or reel or wheel usually having a plurality of words or concepts, of an individual category on it, after the one to three reels are spun, briefly, or not to randomly generate a set of words or concepts viewable through the open spaces, which juxtapose/match against each other in some direct line or bouncing fashion, in any order, to define an invention or prospect based on the outcome of the randomly generated word or concept paths shown on the menu or by a word or concept or words or concepts on the menu being juxtaposed/matched against any word or concept or words or concepts shown on the screen from internet art such as lists or catalogs or newspapers or the like or any kind of literary or pictorial depiction.
 4. A menu like apparatus of claim
 2. wherein words or concepts are usually key words or list words and are usually from the inventor/authors copyrighted, creative, works, but sometimes are any word or description, in words, of a concept, shown on the internet or from his own mind, typed over the 1-30 space open cells or windows on the grid on the menu, with words from lists, indexes, catalogs, and articles or from descriptions of pictorial depictions being very useful in the inventive process of juxtaposing words or concepts on the menu or the menu and internet art or not to create inventions or prospects.
 5. A menu like apparatus of claim
 3. wherein words or concepts, are usually key words or list words and are usually from the inventor/authors copyrighted, creative, works, but sometimes are any word or description, in words, of a concept, shown on the internet or from his own mind, typed over the nine space open cells or windows on the grid on the menu, with words from lists, indexed, catalogs, and articles or from descriptions of pictorial depictions being very useful in the inventive process of juxtaposing words or concepts on the menu or the menu and internet art or not to create inventions or prospects.
 6. A menu like apparatus for creating inventions or prospects for inventions via the juxtaposition of words or concepts of claim 2., wherein one to five rows of words or concepts from the drums, wheels or reels are aligned in a horizontal plane on the menu as seen through its open, lined, spaces, cells or windows.
 7. A menu like apparatus for creating inventions or prospects for inventions via the juxtaposition of words or concepts of claim
 3. wherein three rows of words or concepts from the drums or reels or wheels are aligned in a horizontal plane on the menu as seen through its open, lined, spaces, cells or windows.
 8. A menu like apparatus for creating inventions or prospects for inventions via the juxtaposition of words or concepts, of claim 2, wherein 1-6 rows or columns of words or concepts form the drums, wheels, or wheels are aligned in a vertical plane on the menu as seen through its open, lined, spaces, cells or windows.
 9. A menu like apparatus for creating inventions or prospects for inventions via the juxtaposition or words or concepts, of claims 3, wherein 3 rows or columns of words or concepts from the reels or wheels or drums are aligned in a vertical plane on the menu as seen through its open, lined, spaces, cells or windows.
 10. Each drum or wheel or reel having a plurality of words or concepts of claim 3, wherein the words, if taken from the inventor/author's creative works, or any part thereof, especially from any list or index part of those works or if it is constructed by the user of the menu, are arranged, from A-Z, and usually are grouped in separate categories for each wheel, usually in things, function & misc. and shapes categories.
 11. Each drum or reel or wheel having a plurality of words or concepts of claim 2, wherein the words, if taken from the inventor/author's creative works, or any part thereof, especially from any list or index part of those works or if it is constructed by the user of the menu, are arranged, from A-Z, and usually are grouped in separate categories for each wheel, usually in things, function & misc. and shapes categories.
 12. The simulated rotating drums or wheels or wheels of claim 2, wherein the reels etc. may comprise; a singular rotating reel etc. or 2-6 rotating reels adjacent to each other, having an outer surface on which a plurality of words or concepts are shown, which is rotatable around its axis, a rotation control means for controlling rotations of said singular or 2-6 rotating reels etc. separately.
 13. The simulated rotating reels or wheels or drums of claim 3, wherein the reels etc. may comprise; a first rotating, center, drum etc. having an outer peripheral surface on which a plurality of words or concept are shown, which is rotatable around an axis; a second rotating drum having an outer peripheral surface on which a plurality of words or concepts are shown, which is arranged adjacent to one side of the first rotating drum etc. and rotatably around said axis; a third rotating drum etc. having an outer peripheral surface on which a plurality of words or concepts are shown, which drum etc. is arranged adjacent to the other side of the first, center, rotating drum etc. and rotatably on said axis. a rotation control means for controlling rotations of said first, second, and third drums etc. separately.
 14. A line or lines of command icons on the menu normally on the non open heading of the menu or on a non open area on the sides or at the bottom or top area of the menu of claim 2, wherein the standard arrangement of command icons for controlling the six simulated, rotating, drums etc. each having a plurality of words, and each with an individual category of words, would be, from left to right:
 1. shapes category icon, controlling the first drum etc. and its random spins
 2. function & misc. icon, controlling the second drum etc. and its random spins
 3. prospect icon, with prospects being typed in or deleted, in conventional computer fashion, over the open spaces, cells or windows over the third drum etc. or if no prospects are typed in the second drum etc. would be used and activated or spun and used in the same fashion as the things drum etc. and would show things
 4. key word icon, which would show key words being typed in or deleted in conventional computer fashion over the open spaces, cells or windows over the fourth drum etc. of if no key words are typed in, this drum would be activated or spun and used in the same fashion as the things drum etc. and would show things
 5. things category icon, controlling the fifth drum etc. and its random spins, and
 6. another things category icon controlling the sixth drum etc. and its random spins, for example, regarding random spins to activate the spin of the first drum the user would click on to the R or random icon and then the S or shapes icon . . . and to activate the second drum etc. the user would click on to the R or random icon and the F of function & misc. icon., and to activate the third drum etc. the user would click on to the R or random icon, and the P or prospect icon to produce a list of things, and to activate the fourth drum etc. the user would click on to the R or random icon and the K or key word or KEY icon to produce a list of things, and to activate the fifth drum etc. the user would click on to T or the things icon to produce a list of things, and, to activate the sixth drum etc. the user would click on to the R or random icon and the T or things icon, and, in all cases, each icon for each drum etc. would have a set of up/down scroll icons adjacent to it for slowly scrolling up or down the entire list of words in the category, accomplished by clicking on either the up/down icon, and after proceeding in the direction indicated clicking, again, to stop the scroll or just taking the finger off of the mouse to do so.
 15. The menu of 1-6 drums, wheels or reels of claim 14, wherein the largest menu would be perfect to develop prospects for inventions, and the smallest would be perfect for use on a crowded screen or as a way to leave the one reel etc, one wheel category cell, and one open space cell or window menu on the screen at all times, and when the user thinks of it, juxtaposes the word or concept shown on that menu with what ever word or concept is shown on the screen at the time, producing unexpected, good, results, at times.
 16. A line of command icons on the menu, normally on the non open heading of the menu or on a non open area on the sides or at the bottom of the menu, of claim 3, wherein the standard arrangement of icons for controlling the simulated tic tac toe like reels, drums or wheels, and their plurality of individual category words, would be the following:
 1. things category icon, controlling the left drum, reel or wheel and its random spins
 2. key word icon, with key words being typed in or deleted in a conventional computer fashion over the open spaces, cells or windows over the center drum etc. or if no key words are typed, in the center drum etc. would be activated or spun and used in the same fashion as the things drums etc., showing things at the left and right of the center drum etc.
 3. the random icon, used to activate the spin of all of the drums etc. in conjunction with the individual drum etc. category icons, and
 4. things category, for controlling the right reel etc. and its random spins, for example, to activate the brief random spin of the left drum etc. the user would click on to the R or random icon and then the T or things icon on the left side of the menu, and to activate the brief, random, spin of the right drum etc. the user would click on to the R or random icon and then the T or things category icon on the right side of the menu, and to activate the spin of the center drum etc, not having key words typed in over in on the menu, the user would click on to the R or random icon then on the K, key word icon.
 17. A line or lines of command icons on the menu of claim 2, wherein the word category icons may be arranged in either a horizontal line or vertical line or a combination or such lines, in any fashion.
 18. The inventive, interactive, menu apparatus of claim 2, wherein the components cited may be of any configuration, number, or combination, and each style may be indentified with a number or alphanumeric identification so that it may be easily pulled up for use.
 19. An inventive, interactive, tic tac toe like menu and apparatus and method of claim 3, wherein inventions or prospects may also be defined by a word or concept or words or concepts on the menu juxtaposed against any word or concept shown on any kind of literary expression or pictorial depiction on the video display, from internet art or not, and often from on line catalogs and the like.
 20. An inventive, interactive, menu apparatus and method of claim 2, wherein inventions or prospects may also be defined by a word or concept or words or concepts on the menu juxtaposed against any word or concept shown on any kind of literary expression or pictorial depiction on the video display, from internet art or not, and often from on line catalogs and the like. 